STAMFORD -- The Danbury boys basketball team has been getting the hang of its 3-2 zone defense, improving on it a little bit every game.

The 3-2 was in full effect Friday in Stamford as the Hatters used it in combination with a 1-2-2 full court press, frustrating the Stamford offense and beating the Black Knights 49-44 in a game marred by a third quarter brawl that saw four players ejected.

"I think we are just playing it really effectively," Danbury coach Casey Bock said. "The last couple games that is what we have been going to and I thought it slowed them down a little bit and we were able to get out to shooters and I think we just played it very well."

The Hatters held the Black Knights to 13 points in the first half, keeping the ball on the perimeter and not allowing Stamford to penetrate or get the ball inside.

Stamford knew what to expect but just did not execute they way it practiced, according to coach Danny Melzer.

"We spent two days practicing against it. We knew they saw us against McMahon and McMahon played the exact same thing and we struggled against McMahon and we struggled again tonight," Melzer said. "I don't know why. We really do kill it in practice and we spent so much time on it."

White and Nevers, along with Corey Brosz of Danbury and Gianni Carwin of Stamford were ejected after a brawl erupted near center court at the end of the third quarter following a tussle for a loose ball.

All four will be suspended for each teams' next game.

Stamford High security and the police at the game kept fans from coming on the court and restored order quickly.

Both teams hit 3 of 4 technical foul shots after the fight.

After the fight, Jay Devito of Stamford hit a 3-pointer as time expired in the third quarter, giving Stamford a 32-31 lead.

Danbury answered with a 9-0 run, sparked by turnovers created on the defensive end, opening up a 40-32 lead.

"I think we got some turnovers off our defense and we were able to hit a couple shots," Bock said. "Our defense was great tonight. If we play defense like that we will be in every game. We have to make sure we hit free throws and finish on the offensive end and we will be fine."

Danbury struggled from the line until it mattered, hitting 6 of 8 down the stretch to help seal the victory.

Stamford was able to get within 45-44 with 1:00 left but could not grab the lead as a traveling call gave the ball back to the Hatters, who knocked down free throws to seal the win.

Melzer said he was disappointed with his teams effort on its home court.

"We just weren't ready to play tonight," Melzer said. "It's disappointing that we were at home. You might expect it on the road but at home to come out not ready to play is inexcusable and we have to get back to work."